Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. celebrated its 106th anniversary by bringing its International Grand Boulé to Nashville July 6-11, honoring a new class of distinguished women while highlighting the organization’s long history of service and community engagement.
Held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, the weeklong conference attracted thousands of members, affiliates and guests from across the United States and abroad, generating an economic boost for Middle Tennessee through hotel stays, restaurants, transportation, retail spending and tourism.
The gathering also marked a homecoming of sorts for the sorority, which previously hosted its 10th International Grand Boulé in Nashville in 1929 and its 60th Diamond Boulé in Memphis in 1980.
Zeta Phi Beta’s roots in Tennessee date back more than a century. The organization established its first citywide chapter in the state in 1923 with Lambda Chapter, now Pi Zeta Chapter. That same year, Kappa Chapter was chartered at Roger Williams University in Nashville, followed by Upsilon Chapter at Fisk University in 1928.
Among the organization’s early Tennessee members were educator and scholar Ophelia Settle Egypt, pioneering librarian and founder of Nashville’s first African American Girl Scout troop; Josephine Groves Holloway; and civic leader Nettie Langston Napier.
Throughout the conference, the sorority continued its emphasis on community service through its ‘S.H.E. Serves Nashville’ initiative, which connected residents with employment opportunities, workforce development resources, health screenings, financial education and other community services.
One of the Grand Boulé’s signature events was the induction of the ‘Alpha Omega Chapter Class of 2026,’ the sorority’s highest honorary recognition presented to women whose professional accomplishments and commitment to service exemplify its principles of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood and Finer Womanhood.
Four Tennessee natives were among this year’s honorary inductees:
• Karen D. Camper of Memphis, Tennessee House Democratic Leader and state representative.
• Dr. Grisanthia ‘San’ Franklin, of Nashville, Grammy Award-winning gospel producer, pastor and community advocate.
• Sheri Jones-Moffett, of Memphis, award-winning gospel recording artist and worship leader.
• Elise Neal, of Memphis, award-winning actress, producer, entrepreneur and women’s health advocate.
Other 2026 Honorary Members
The remaining members of the Alpha Omega Chapter Class of 2026 are Pamela Champion, Sheila E. (Sheila Escovedo), Aliya Crawford, Cheryl ‘Coko’ Gamble, Danielle Green, Taral Hicks-Dawson, Valerie ‘Chef Val’ Knight, Dr. Love McPherson, Niecy Nash-Betts, Patti Phillips, Nashville Metro Councilwoman Nichole Rogers, U.S. Rep. Lateefah Simon, Kellee Stewart and Jenisha Watts.
Conference organizers said the International Grand Boulé reflected the sorority’s continued commitment to empowering women, strengthening communities and promoting social, educational, health and economic advancement. Beyond the meetings and ceremonies, the event generated significant economic activity for Nashville while connecting residents with resources through volunteer service projects and community partnerships.
Founded in 1920, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority continues to build on its legacy of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood and Finer Womanhood through leadership development, civic engagement and community service initiatives across the nation.
